POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State Athletics announced the five individuals voted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame in its 2025 class, earlier this spring. Over the next six weeks, we will introduce the honorees and their accolades that made them deserving of enshrinement in the Idaho State record book.
We would like to introduce and congratulate George Kyvernitis from Idaho State men's tennis to the 2025 Idaho State Athletics Hall of Fame class.
Kyvernitis competed for the Bengals from 1997-2000, compiling a dominant 63-31 singles record.
He is only the 2nd Bengal in the last 25 years to earn the Big Sky's most valuable player award, which was awarded to him in his junior year, 1999.
Current Head Coach Oliver Good had this to say on the Bengal.
I am writing to you today in full support of the nomination for George Kyvernitis to be inducted into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame, class of 2025.
George is one of the greatest players in ISU Men's Tennis history, having been named Big Sky All-Conference First team selection all four years that he played for the Bengals. This feat has only ever been accomplished by 10 men's tennis players in Big Sky history, and George is only the second player at ISU to achieve the feat.
Between 1997-2000, George compiled a 63-31 singles record, with most of these matches played at the top position in the lineup, where he was competing against the opposition's strongest players. George also went 40-36 in doubles play, with 58 of these matches played at the top of the lineup. Having a winning record at the number one position is extremely diUicult. The fact that George won more than two thirds of his singles matches and most of his doubles matches is testament to his outstanding ability.
During his time at ISU, George's exceptional individual results also converted into team wins, with him leading the Bengals a 50-29 win-loss record. George's junior year (1999) was his strongest as a Bengal, when he was named the Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player. He is only the second Bengal in the past 25 years (Malcolm Swan in 2003) to receive the award.
In conclusion, George Kyvernitis has had one of the most outstanding careers in ISU Men's Tennis history. His induction into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame would be great recognition for his contribution to our program and one that he fully deserves.
Senior Associate Athletic Director Crew Keller wrote on Kyvernitis' career
I am writing to nominate George Kyvernitis, class of 2000, for induction into the Idaho State University Sports Hall of Fame. George's outstanding achievements as a member of the ISU men's tennis team make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious honor.
George played for the Bengals from 1997 to 2000, and his contributions to the program were nothing short of remarkable. Over his four years, George finished with an impressive All-Time Singles record of 63-31, with a #1 Singles record of 30-18 and a #2 Singles record of 15-7. Additionally, his All-Time Doubles record stood at 40-36, including a dominant 33-25 record as a Doubles #1 player. His consistency, leadership, and technical skill were invaluable to the team's success during his tenure and have remained true as he still stands atop many of the programs key statistical categories.
Perhaps one of George's most notable accomplishments was his inclusion in the Big Sky All-Conference First Team all four years of his collegiate career — a rarity for an athlete of any sport in any conference, nevertheless in the Big Sky Conference, let alone NCAA Division I. He is one of only 10 players in Big Sky Conference Men's Tennis history to earn this distinction every year they competed. In fact, George shares this honor with only one other ISU player — Omer Rashid. George's sustained excellence in the conference over four years speaks volumes about his talent, dedication, and competitive spirit.
In 1999, George's exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Big Sky MVP award, further solidifying his place as one of the top tennis players in the conference. His leadership and individual success helped guide Idaho State to a team record of 50-29, contributing significantly to the program's success during his time with the Bengals.
George Kyvernitis' legacy at Idaho State University extends beyond his individual accolades; his impact on the team and the program as a whole is undeniable. His dedication, work ethic, and achievements set a standard of excellence that has inspired future generations of ISU athletes. I believe his inclusion in the Idaho State University Sports Hall of Fame would be a fitting recognition of his incredible career.
